The Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction 2025 has wrapped up, with all 10 teams finalizing their squads for the upcoming season. While the event saw several high-profile buys, it also witnessed the unexpected outcome of several notable players remaining unsold. Among them were some established names, including Shardul Thakur, Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, and others, leaving cricket fans and analysts speculating on the reasons behind this trend. Let’s dive into the top 5 unsold players from the IPL Auction 2025, along with the possible reasons for their absence in the upcoming season.
1) Kane Williamson: The Sunrisers Hyderabad Captain Left Without a Bid
Kane Williamson, the former captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), was one of the most surprising unsold players at the IPL Auction 2025. With a base price set at ₹2 crore, the New Zealand skipper failed to attract any bids, leaving fans stunned. Williamson has been a steady performer in the IPL over the years, but his recent form may have played a significant role in his unsold status.
Reason for being unsold:
- Injury Concerns: Williamson has struggled with injuries in recent years, limiting his appearances on the field.
- Form Issues: In his last two IPL seasons, he played only 3 matches, managing a mere 27 runs at an average of 9.
- Age Factor: At 33, age may have been a deterrent for franchises seeking younger options.
2) Prithvi Shaw: A Once-promising Talent, Now Overlooked
Prithvi Shaw’s journey has been one of contrasts, with the Mumbai batter once seen as a future star of Indian cricket. However, Shaw’s decline in form in recent seasons has been stark, and despite a base price of ₹75 lakh, he went unsold in Jeddah.
Reason for being unsold:
- Lack of Consistency: In IPL 2024, Shaw played 8 matches, scoring 198 runs at an average of 24.75, with a strike rate of 163.64. While his strike rate is impressive, his inconsistency with the bat and inability to play big innings likely deterred franchises.
- Fielding Concerns: Shaw’s performances in the field and lack of consistency in all formats might have caused teams to shy away.
3) David Warner: From IPL Dominance to Unsold in Jeddah
Once a dominant force in the IPL, David Warner’s stock appears to have fallen. The explosive Australian opener, who was a key player for SRH in previous seasons, went unsold at a base price of ₹2 crore. Warner’s experience and track record in the IPL make this an intriguing development.
Reason for being unsold:
- Aging Star: At 37 years old, Warner’s age and physical condition may have raised concerns for franchises looking for long-term investments.
- Tough Competition: With many young, dynamic openers in the mix, Warner’s place in the auction pool became highly competitive.
- Future Plans: It is speculated that Warner may shift his focus to commentary, as he is already involved in media roles during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
4) Shardul Thakur: A Surprising Absence for the All-Rounder
One of the most surprising outcomes of the IPL Auction 2025 was the unsold status of Shardul Thakur, a talented all-rounder known for his fiery bowling and handy batting. Thakur had a base price of ₹2 crore, but no franchise bid for him, despite his potential value to any team.
Reason for being unsold:
- Mixed IPL Performances: Thakur’s recent IPL performances were not at his peak. In IPL 2024, he managed only 5 wickets in 9 matches, with an economy rate of 9.76. His lack of consistent impact on the field may have played a role in his non-selection.
- High Price Tag: The auction’s second day typically sees teams with fewer budget options, and Thakur’s ₹2 crore price tag might have been too steep for many franchises, considering the lack of outstanding performances in the previous season.
5) Jonny Bairstow: The Veteran English Batter Without a Buyer
Jonny Bairstow, a proven performer for England, was another surprise omission from the IPL Auction 2025. Bairstow has been an explosive batter in limited-overs cricket, but his absence from the IPL auction may be attributed to a few factors.
Reason for being unsold:
- Form and Fitness: Bairstow’s recent form has not been as impressive as it once was. The 35-year-old has struggled to maintain consistent performances at the global level, leading to a decrease in his IPL value.
- Injury Concerns: Bairstow has faced several injuries in the past year, which could have led franchises to be wary of signing him.
- Changing Roles: As his international career progresses, Bairstow may have a reduced role in T20 leagues, further impacting his IPL appeal.
Conclusion: What Do These Unsold Players Tell Us About the IPL Auction 2025?
The unsold status of players like Kane Williamson, Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, Shardul Thakur, and Jonny Bairstow highlights a few significant trends in the IPL Auction 2025. Teams are becoming increasingly cautious, focusing on younger, in-form players, while also factoring in injury concerns and long-term fitness.
Although these players are no longer part of the IPL 2025 squads, they still possess the experience and talent to make an impact in the future, either through other cricketing platforms or potential future IPL seasons. The IPL Auction is always full of surprises, and with the ever-evolving dynamics of modern cricket, it remains to be seen how these unsold players will adapt and re-enter the limelight in the coming years.
